A variety of cultural performances including banner dance, Bharatanatyam and Yoga were performed by the students from the International Yoga Centre for Education and Research (ICYER), popurlarly known as the Ananda Ashram, as part of its golden jubilee celebrations.
The institution imparts Ashtanga Yoga ( Gitananda Yoga) as expounded by Swami Gitananda Giri Guru Maharaj, founder of the ashram, in the classical tradition. It balances the ancient tantric and yoga wisdom with modern medical and scientific knowledge.
The event started with the Ganesha Pancharatnam and Siva Ashtakam followed by musical recitals. It was followed by the banner dance performance, which was a neat blend of Bharatanatyam and intricate asanas performed by the junior students of the Yoganjali Natyalayam. The children showcased complex postures of different asanas . Students from different dance groups performed Mallari , Gambeera Nata and Nalla Penmani with choreographed sequences which culminated with Yoga Shakthi, a yogasana demonstration by the women of the Natyalayam.
A special tableaux was also presented by the students followed by the Pancha Ratna Kriti of Saint Thiyagaraja and a documentary tracing the journey and impact of the Natyalayam in the past 25 years. The cultural performances by students also included art forms like Thappattam , Thillana and various folk dances. The golden jubilee souvenir was released and awards were presented to distinguished yoga exponents.
A free medical camp was also organised by the MVR Medical Centre and MVR Polyclinic in association with the Centre for Yoga Therapy, Education and Research (CYTER) and Mother Care Foundation.
